It is odd/even and snow plowing/shoveling season again. So, a reminder about Grand Rapids’ parking rules and regulations to help avoid tickets and confrontation.
An automobile may not be parked:
On the sidewalk or the space between the street curb and the sidewalk, regardless of if the area is paved. If a sidewalk is present all vehicles must be parked interior to the sidewalk. The area between the sidewalk and the street is not a parking space, and a parked vehicle may not overhang or obstruct the sidewalk.
Blocking a driveway or alley; or within 3ft of the curb-line of a driveway or alley. The curb cut line extends from the curb into the street at a 45 degree angle.
Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant or intersection.
Withing fifty (50) feet of a railroad crossing.
Within thirty (30) feet of any flashing signal or traffic control signal
Within twenty (20) feet of a marked crosswalk.
Within any marked bike lane
Within a marked fire-lane
In a space signed for use by a disabled person without displaying the appropriate documentation or tags.
Use of hazard lights or blinkers does not impact the legality of the position of a parked vehicle; there is no such thing as “temporary” parking. The only exception is within a designated loading zone where the use of hazard blinkers is required.
An automobile must be parked on the correct side of a signed odd-even parking street from November 1st until April 1st between the hours of 1am and 6pm. Park on the side matching the calendar date (odd addresses on odd dates, even addresses on even dates). This means that parking after 6pm to park based on the next days date; beware of end-of-months which result in two consecutive odd-numbered days.
Loading zones, mostly found downtown and in business districts, are for anyone dropping off, picking up, or briefly visiting any establishment. A vehicle may parking in a loading zone for up to twenty (20) minutes; and, technically, is required to have its hazard lights on during that time.
Permitted use of a loading zone includes running into a store, picking up a take-out food order, or waiting for a friend. There is a common misconception that loading zones are for “commercial use” or “commercial users”, that is not true.
MobileGR, which is the department in charge of all public parking across the city, has a page with complete information regarding street parking regulations here.